Welcome to the California Department of Financial Institutions

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California Real Estate and Financial Services License Information

Together, the Department of Real Estate, the Office of Real Estate Appraisers, the Department of Corporations and the Department of Financial Institutions regulate most of the real estate and financial services in California. This web page is provided as a one-stop resource for California real estate and financial services license information, laws and regulations.

To check the license records of all four departments at once, click http://search.dre.ca.gov/integrationaspcode/ or click the button below:

California Real Estate and License Information

Information specific to each department is provided below.

Go to Department of Financial Institutions's web site

Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) www.dfi.ca.gov - DFI is responsible for administering state laws regulating state-licensed financial institutions: banks, credit unions, industrial banks, trust companies, offices of foreign banks, issuers of travelers checks and payment instruments (money orders), and transmitters of money abroad pursuant to the Financial Code and the Regulations of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions.

Go to the Department of Real Estate's Web site

Department of Real Estate (DRE) www.dre.ca.gov - The DRE is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Real Estate Law and Subdivided Lands Law. Licensees include real estate brokers and salespersons, prepaid rental listing services and mineral, oil and gas brokers. Real estate brokers may also act as mortgage brokers.

Go to the Office of Real Estate Appraisers' Web site

Office of Real Estate Appraisers (OREA) www.orea.ca.gov - OREA licenses real estate appraisers and ensures adherence to the national Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and the California Real Estate Appraisers Licensing and Certification Law and Regulations.

Go to the Department of Corporation's Web site

Department of Corporations (CORP) www.corp.ca.gov - CORP licenses and regulates Residential Mortgage Lenders (RMLs); California Finance Lenders (CFLs); independent escrow companies; deferred deposit originators (payday lenders); check sellers, bill payers and proraters; securities brokers and dealers; investment advisers; and financial planners. The Department also regulates the offer and sales of securities, franchises, and off-exchange commodities.


View an alphabetical list of license types along with the responsible department.